National Sports Commission, Elite Athletes and Podium Board, Nigerian sports development, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Yusuf Ali, Nigeria Olympics preparation, athletes’ welfare, sports structural reforms.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated its Elite Athletes and Podium Board, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Nigerian sports, enhancing athletes’ welfare, and improving podium performances at major international competitions.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who emphasized the board’s pivotal role in driving sustainable athletic excellence across Nigeria.
A New Era for Nigerian Sports Development
The board, led by former Nigerian international Yusuf Ali as the Chief Executive Officer, has been charged with implementing a scientific system for talent discovery, athletes’ development, and welfare.
According to Mallam Dikko, the establishment of the board represents a permanent structural reform designed to address the persistent challenges faced by Nigerian athletes, particularly in preparation for global events like the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games.
“For the first time in Nigerian sports history, we’ve created an annual budget line dedicated to our major international competitions. This board is not a temporary committee; it’s a structural process that will outlive us and become a legally backed institution,” said Mallam Dikko.
The NSC Chairman also highlighted the inclusion of a dedicated budget line for the board’s operations, which, although modest, signifies the government’s commitment to sports development and is expected to encourage private sector investments.
Clear Mandate for Elite Performance
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, outlined the board’s key responsibilities, which include:
Identifying Nigeria’s priority sports and supporting others for enhanced global competitiveness.
Determining appropriate incentives to drive optimal athletes’ performance.
Providing life-after-sports coaching programs to support elite athletes in their post-competition careers.
Conducting feasibility studies for high-performance centers and recommending professional structures for athlete development.
Presidential Commitment to Sports Reforms
The inauguration also witnessed the presence of Sunday Dare, the Special Senior Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, and former Minister of Youth and Sports. His attendance underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the structural reforms aimed at revitalizing Nigerian sports.
Dare urged the newly inaugurated board to live up to expectations, ensuring that Nigeria consistently produces podium finishes at international events.
Board Members Pledge to Deliver
In his remarks, Yusuf Ali, the CEO of the Elite Athletes and Podium Board, expressed gratitude to the NSC for entrusting him and his team with the task. He assured stakeholders of the board’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate.
“We are committed to delivering results and ensuring that Nigerian athletes not only qualify but excel at the world stage,” Ali affirmed.
Meet the Members of the Elite Athletes and Podium Board
The board comprises distinguished professionals from various sectors of sports, academia, and administration:
Prof. Ken Anugweje (Member/Adviser)
Olumide Bamiduro (Member/Secretary)
Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa
Salihu Abubakar
Aku Aghazu
Tunde Adelakun
Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi
Mary Onyali
Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi
Sunday Odebode
Olalekan Alabi
Otunba Sylvester Ikuejamoye (Representing NAPHER-SD)
Olumide Oyedeji (Representing Nigeria Olympic Committee)
Isa Suleiman (Representing PCN)
Mrs. Opara Tecla
Adebimpe Adewale
Shagaya Abdulmumeen
Looking Ahead
The inauguration of the Elite Athletes and Podium Board marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s sports history. With its clear vision, dedicated leadership, and strategic government backing, the board is set to revolutionize the country’s sports ecosystem, ensuring Nigerian athletes achieve consistent success on the global stage.
